MDU Resources Q2 Earnings Lag, Revenues Rise Y/Y, EPS View Narrowed

Core Insights - MDU Resources Group Inc. reported second-quarter 2025 operating earnings per share (EPS) of 7 cents, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 13 cents by 46.2% and reflecting a year-over-year decrease of 76.7% [1][8] - Total operating revenues for the second quarter increased by 1.9% to $351.2 million compared to $344.5 million in the same period of 2024 [2][8] - Operating income fell to $30.4 million, down 23% from $39.5 million in the prior year, while total operating expenses rose by 5.2% to nearly $320.8 million [3][8] Financial Performance - As of June 30, 2025, cash and cash equivalents stood at $58.8 million, a decrease from $66.9 million as of December 31, 2024 [4] - Net cash provided by operating activities for the first half of 2025 was $334.9 million, up from $301.6 million in the same period last year [4] Guidance and Expectations - MDU Resources has narrowed its 2025 earnings guidance to a range of 88-95 cents per share, compared to the previous range of 88-98 cents, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate at 95 cents [5][8] - The company anticipates utility customer growth to continue at a rate of 1-2% annually [5][8] Market Position - MDU Resources currently holds a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy), indicating a favorable outlook in the market [6]